Knopfler released an official statement on his website, saying: "Given the crackdown by Russian authorities on groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, I have regretfully decided to cancel my upcoming concerts in Moscow and St Petersburg in June.

"I have always loved playing in Russia and have great affection for the country and the people. I hope the current climate will change soon."

Russian authorities are reported to have raided hundreds of non-governmental organisations last month to make them comply with a law requiring that they register as "foreign agents".